“Ever since Colonel Dacre was insensible.”
“Exactly. Then the girl, being in your confidence, will help you, of course.”
“And the nurse?”
“Oh! I can easily manage her; she is not the kind of woman to be astonished at anything. I shall simply tell her that the lady to whom Colonel Dacre is going to be married is staying in the hotel, and would like to see him sometimes; and you will find you have only to present yourself at the door to obtain ready admittance.”
“Thank you very much, Doctor May; only that if it would excite Colonel Dacre to see me——”
“All the while he remains in his present state nothing can excite him,” replied Doctor May. “Directly I see a change for better or worse I will let you know.”
“You are very kind. I am glad now that you know all about it.”
And she held out her hand with pretty impulsiveness. He lifted it respectfully to his lips, and then he let it fall with a sigh, and found himself envying Colonel Dacre. It was worth while even to be “sick unto death” for such a woman’s love.
CHAPTER XV.
A JOYFUL AWAKENING.